Home ⎜ Hikes & Wanderings ⎜ Colorado ⎜ Bear Peak

This hike begins at the South Boulder Creek Trailhead off Route 93 (Foothills Highway) at its intersection with Thomas Lane. It follows the Lower Big Bluestem and Upper Big Bluestem trails across open meadows at the foot of the Flatirons. Scenic views abound. It then follows the Mesa Trail North along the bottom of the flatirons and climbs to the top of Bear Peak via the Fern Canyon and Bear Peak Trails.

Distance: 13.08 miles

Time: 8 hours

Difficulty: Strenuous but awesome!!

Elevation Gain: 3,289 feet

Dog Friendly: Yes.

Trailihead Directions: 5 miles

Hike Directions: From the parking lot, go North to Thomas Lane and turn left begin walking down Thomas Lane. At the end of the road, cross through a gate and continue on the Lower Big Bluestem Trail across a meadow. As you approach the Flatirons, you’ll have sweeping vistas in every direction. It’s fantastic! After 1.1 mile on the Lower Big Bluestem, the Bluestem Connector comes in on your right. Continue straight onto the Upper Big Bluestem Trail, which continues for 0.7 miles before crossing through a gate. 0.8 miles after crossing through this gate, you’ll reach the Mesa Trail. Turn right and North onto the Mesa Trail as it carries you along the foot of the Flatirons in the shade of pine trees and vibrant green forest. In 0.4 miles the South Fork Trail comes in on the right, but continue straight on the Mesa Trail. In another 0.5 miles you’ll reach a four0way intersection of trails and turn left onto the Shanahan Mesa Trail for 0.4 miles. Then turn left onto the Fern Canyon Trail and continue the now steep climb uphill for 1.4 miles to the craggy rock summit of Bear Peak.

Scenery: 10/10

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